After searching and hours of reading reviews and visiting stores for tests, I ended up buying this specific massage gun from Hyperice. Coming from cheap imitations as it turned out (I won't name them because I'm in a good mood today), I can say that I have tried around 5-6 different massage guns, so I have a comprehensive opinion. At least I think so.
It is the second version of the company (Hyperice), which after Theragun (the ugliest thing I have seen, in my opinion) was the one that started this style of massage gun (it looks like a weapon, duh?!) and the others followed.
Design and Functionality;
It fits perfectly in the hand and I think it has a very good balance that does not tire even after a long time. The handle is larger than what I was used to from previous massage guns and it is definitely one of its advantages.
It comes with 5 heads: Fork, Ball, Cushion, Flat, Bullet. (The manual explains what each one does - oh, wait, don't hit me, I'll say a few words about what each one does. Yes, I know it's difficult for you to search for the manual.)
Fork: For longer muscles like calves, thighs, and feet. (Yes, you read correctly, feet, okay, you might feel ticklish for a bit, but after a while, you'll enjoy it.)
Ball: Usually for warming up larger muscle areas.
Cushion: For sensitive areas, like the neck and around the neck.
Flat: For therapy or massage on quadriceps, biceps, back, and chest.
Bullet: For trigger points in glutes, hips, neck, shoulders, and other complex muscle groups. (If you have no idea what trigger points are, it would be good to avoid it.)
Inside the box, you will find an 18v charger with 4 different plugs for each country.
You need to charge it for 4 hours during the first use, and the ring at the bottom of the handle should remain lit green. The battery lasts for about 3 hours depending on usage.
Depending on usage, I mean the speed at which you use it. The more you increase it, the faster the battery will drain. At the back, it has indications with 3 speeds:
Level 1: 33 Hz / 2,000 PPM
Level 2: 40 Hz / 2,350 PPM
Level 3: 45 Hz / 2,700 PPM
Here, let me debunk a myth that is heard in the market (yes, I'm looking at you, who have spread it to others and recommended them to buy a massage gun based on how fast or how "powerful" it hits). I'm sure you can find cheap ones that guarantee they hit hard and maintain the rhythm, but is it really like that?! What matters, then, is the stall force, which in this case is around 25lbs, and how much it can maintain this intensity and rhythm during these hits without fluctuations! (Something that plays a big role is the motor - in this case, it's 60 watts - and of course, the patent that each company uses to achieve this.)
It's not exactly quiet as they present it, they all make more or less the same noise, I can say.
It has a pressure sensor with three dots to let you know how much force you are exerting while massaging yourself or someone else.
And it also has Bluetooth, which connects to a fantastic application that shows you how long and what you should do depending on the muscle surface you choose. I should add that it adjusts the intensity by itself. (A game changer compared to the others)
Performance;
I have been using it for 3 months now, and I can say that I am completely satisfied with its performance. Usually I use level 1 and 2 to relax my muscles after a workout or a long day at the office, especially for my neck. It provides relief and rejuvenation to the muscles. Level 3 has been useful for muscle warm-up before a workout or training, as well as for trigger points.
Pros:
- Build quality
- Performance
- Battery
Cons:
- No carrying case (one of the major downsides is that you have to purchase it separately)
- Pressure indicator (usually you can't see it when massaging yourself)